See which clothes can help elongate a petite frame

Go Long

Go Long

Frustrated by the lack of options in petite sizes, working mother Sue falls back on safe separates that do nothing for her shape. Boxy blazers and long skirts overwhelm her 5-foot frame, and the blocks of solid color (olive jacket, dark brown skirt, dark leggings) segment her body, making her appear even shorter. Sue’s stark neutrals are low-maintenance, but also low on style.

Flip through this slideshow to see how the Woman's Day style department helped transform Sue's look.

The Solution

The Solution

The following pieces helped elongate Sue's stature without overwhelming her petite frame.

Jacket: This swing coat’s wide lapels and the dress’s scoop neck reveal Sue’s decolletage, drawing attention to her face. The ¾-length sleeves make it look like Sue has a higher waistline, so her legs seem longer. PRIM New York Swing Coat, $180 (in orchid and woodbine); PrimCollection.com.